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Posts by Arien  

Joined: 20 Oct 2008 / Male ♂ 		Last Post: 30 Apr 2010
Threads: Total: 2 / In This Archive: 1
Posts: Total: 710 / In This Archive: 320

Displayed posts: 321 / page 5 of 11
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Arien   
15 Mar 2010
UK, Ireland / No job unless you're Polish [201]

There aren't many Chinese people in rural Britain.

Not yet.

I know Chinese people speak pretty good English (we have a large Chinese community in Manchester and never come across one that didnt speak English)

Same here, but in most cases, those are second or third generation immigrants. These people are also educated. I'm talking about the rural folk in China, not the ones who came from cities like Beijing. (I've heard they might be allowed to work in Europe in the not-so-distant future.) But let's not wander off..

:)
Arien   
15 Mar 2010
UK, Ireland / Documentary on foreign and local workers in a town in England. [66]

Competition is competition, yes, but the alignment appears to be wrong.

I think people are slowly starting to realize that this has nothing to do with competition, and many more people will be made redundant if nothing changes, even the people with higher qualifications will eventually lose their privileges if this keeps up.

I'm no oracle or anything, but predicting where such predator mentality will eventually lead us to is fairly simple; If you can't take away much more from people who work for minimum wages, who will you turn on next?

I already know that in some countries they're already speculating that half of the office workers in the governmential system should be layed off and sent home. And then what? Ask the people who are working for minimum wage to pay for their benefits aswell? They're obviously not going to work at the farm or factories, because we have immigrants for that sort of work, don't we? Okay, maybe that's too far-fetched, I'm going out for a moment, I need fresh air and I really need to cool down.
Arien   
15 Mar 2010
UK, Ireland / No job unless you're Polish [201]

Its never happened before in the UK, until relatively recent times.

Well, I remember saying something about it back in 2006, and I got all sorts of funny replies from people who told me to stop whining and to be more competitive. It almost makes me wonder what happened to those people, because they're obviously not posting here anymore.

Well, not really because the Chinese generally speak very good English ;0)

My uncle is married to a Chinese woman, and I can assure you that many Chinese people - the rural folks - don't speak or understand a word of English.

I dont have a problem with companies asking for a language if there is a need, say for instance there was an interesting job I saw the other day but Swedish was needed, I am assuming they do business with Swedish companies so...there is a genuine need..

Ofcourse, that would be totally understandable and justified.

but a meat packing factory, it was just another way of alienating Brits, as I said, I hope they close the recruitment agency down and stop them from trading ever again...The idiots in HR at the company that they supplied staff to should be sacked!

I like your way of thinking.

:)
Arien   
15 Mar 2010
UK, Ireland / Documentary on foreign and local workers in a town in England. [66]

In part one, the pro-immigrant guy says: Each and everyone gets a thousand pounds richer, it's not pennies at all.

Well Einstein, explain to me how each and everyone who lost their job will get richer? How will an electrician who became too expensive get richer, when immigrants are willing to work for half his salary?

The actual profit in percentages? 1,5% 1,7%,? 2%? Okay, so which people do you think, Einstein, will benefit from the 2%? Exactly, the minority of people who are already wealthy will benefit from this, and the vast majority of people can **** themselves, because you're happy with your job as a lousy reporter. I know it's a cliché, but the rich will get richer, and the poor will get even poorer, and society? Who cares about society?

The old man is right there.
Arien   
15 Mar 2010
UK, Ireland / No job unless you're Polish [201]

Thats correct so why are they asking for Polish language as a must?

You're right. Many employers demand you speak some kind of a foreign language these days. (It happens over here aswell!) Now how ridiculous is that? Are we supposed to study Chinese to do simple tasks in our own country next year?

I was working in Canary Wharf in London where 7 people died on the site I was working on, most of whom were working for minimum wage.

I've seen quite a few people die with my own two eyes. Mostly due to simple things like miscommunication and a lack of safety precautions. I've stopped working as a construction worker, simply because it's not safe anymore. For example, if I will turn off a switch somewhere, and leave a note on the switch not to turn it on, some idiot will turn it on because he can't read Dutch or English..

Maybe I should write a new Electrician's Safety Manual: How do I prevent myself from getting electrocuted?

:S
Arien   
15 Mar 2010
UK, Ireland / No job unless you're Polish [201]

I would love to see the Poles and the locals bring this company to the cleaners in court, to join forces they could collaborate each other's story!

You're right, and we should help eachother as people, because they're screwing the foreign workers aswell.

I know for a fact that a Polish construction worker fell of an building once due to lack of safety measures. The Dutch construction workers wouldn't do it and complained about safety, so they were sent home. A Polish team of construction workers got up there, without safety and one guy fell. He died instantly, and the agency he worked for didn't even bother to sent his widow his last salary. This is not a fairytale. It happened. (Taken from the FNV magazine.)

Is this how Polish people fight for their rights? Huh? Come on! You're allowing these leeches to use you like animals, and you put the working people who fight for their rights out of their jobs by accepting such a treatment?

And back home? That's right, what will happen if you go back to Poland? Will you have a job there? Or will some immigrant from the Ukraine do your job because he's cheaper than you? Polish workers who want to stay in England or in Holland? How do you want to do that with less than minimum wage? Without an agency which arranges temporary living space for you? Face it, you're being used, and unfortunately you're also undermining our rights because you comply, and you people don't complain about low wages, you don't even complain about health or safety-related issues.

Think before you do something, and demand a fair treatment for the work you're going to do here. If we're not going to fight for our rights, or show any solidarity, they're going to undermine our position first, and then they'll undermine yours. You might benefit from all of this today, but you might aswell lose it all to another wave of immigrants from another country tomorrow. Is that what you people want then?
Arien   
15 Mar 2010
UK, Ireland / Documentary on foreign and local workers in a town in England. [66]

Whats the unemployment rate?

The official numbers show us that there are currently 675.000 people who are jobless, but I think the actual numbers are much higher, for a variety of reasons I can't be bothered to explain in great detail.

Not in Holland and it was their system you proposed to copy.

Exactly.

I encourage Brits to put themselves in the shoes of those Poles that go across.

I encourage politicians and business people to invest in countries such as Poland, to make these countries reliable and strong business partners within the EU, which will ofcourse create many more opportunities and many more jobs for all parties included. (Not being idealistic there!)

I’m afraid that an average viewer will never even consider raising those questions on his own, instead he will just take defensive posture; turn his anger at his greatest enemy as presented to him by the authors of this piece, his competitor, mission accomplished.

I do raise those questions, but it's much easier to distance yourself from something when it doesn't really affect you. I'll be the first to admit that this documentary angered me so much I couldn't even pay much attention to the content at first, but I'm not directing my anger towards the immigrants. I don't live in England, but I do feel solidarity for people who are being pushed aside in their own countries. Just imagine being unwanted by your own people.
Arien   
15 Mar 2010
UK, Ireland / Documentary on foreign and local workers in a town in England. [66]

We have a different system.

I'm curious.

Are you sure there are no grant for you for third level education?

Yes, absolutely. 100% sure. I have to pay for my first study myself. I'm not sure how you'd call that abroad but it's probably academic highschool, which is called VWO here, which will cost me about 800 € a month. (Keep in mind that minimum wage here means about 1100 € a month.) If I have my VWO degree, I'll be able to apply for a student loan and attend college or university and my problem will be solved.

I agree to a degree, education should be free and not just for some.

It's not free here. (You'll have to pay back your student loan aswell after you've finished your studies.)

;)
Arien   
15 Mar 2010
UK, Ireland / Documentary on foreign and local workers in a town in England. [66]

I don't want to sound like a commie but factory workers are the backbone of any country.

You don't sound like a Communist to me, because that's just a simple fact of life.

I know your country is what I would call very civilised and I am surprised that they do not offer anything of the sort.

They used to offer you a job so you could save up for the education you needed in order to recieve a student loan or scholarship to develop yourself. Guess what? These jobs are no longer available. If they are, these short contracts often don't last long enough for you to save enough money. (And you're bound to lose that money when you're unemployed every now an then, because you'll be trying to bridge the financial gaps inbetween jobs.)

In Ireland this changes when you are 24 and is made a lot easier if you have been on the dole for a long time. you should check out the details in Holland as I think they would be more helpful, they change depending on circumstances.

If only I could get a job for like two years, I'd be able to finance my study. It's as simple as that. (But you know, foreign workers are better and I'm lazy!)

>:(

I think countries should aspire to the Dutch model, not the other way around. The Dutch are one of the most educated, in the EU.

It's a decent system, and if you're able to work for a longer period of time then there will be no problems whatsoever. I just need to find one employer who won't mind letting me work for atleast one year. (Which is a problem at the moment, because of the foreign competition.)
Arien   
15 Mar 2010
UK, Ireland / Documentary on foreign and local workers in a town in England. [66]

what do you mean by that?

It means you'll have to achieve a certain degree of education to be granted access to college or university, and you will also have to achieve a certain degree of education before you're actually entitled to recieve a student loan. (Or any other kind of additional funding.) Which means I now have to do a study which will cost me about 800 € a month.

:(
Arien   
15 Mar 2010
UK, Ireland / Documentary on foreign and local workers in a town in England. [66]

In the US, Germany, and Poland there are student loans available in addition to grants. If you want to go to school, there is no excuse not too.

We have student loans in Holland aswell, but the tricky part is that you won't get a student loan if you're unqualified. They demand higher qualifications in order for you to attend college or university. (Which in itself wouldn't be a problem, if only you could afford the education!) Are you sure this will be different in America? Or anywhere else? If so, I'm all ears..

Get rid of the idea that if you work hard, you'll make it.

Don't worry, I got rid of that idea ages ago.

:)

Arien, I would look into education opportunities across EU if I were you. Also, there are Erasmus EU funds, but I don't now the details, so YOU need to do the digging if you want it bad enough:).

I know I have to do the digging, and I've already done a lot of digging, but where to look abroad? I'm afraid Google just isn't always very helpful or informative when it comes to telephone numbers, additional information, official pages, etc.

Good luck:)

Thanks, it seems I'm really going to need it!

:)
Arien   
15 Mar 2010
UK, Ireland / Documentary on foreign and local workers in a town in England. [66]

Again taking this personally.

Nevermind Sean. I'll admit I'm frustrated, because I'm talking to a wall most of the time, and maybe you can imagine I keep hearing it all the time? I'm just sick of these oneliners like: Be more competitive. It's your own responsibility. The ones who want to work will get it. (Etc!)

In the meanwhile, we're not getting anywhere, are we? In addition, videos like these are meant to portray unskilled people as worthless. (I'm sorry if I take that personally!) It's simple, if you keep pushing people aside because they're unskilled or made redundant, and you don't offer them any decent alternatives, then how are we supposed to improve our situation? How are we supposed to contribute?

I have no idea what courses and education systems your Dutch government provide.

Well, you can tell me about Ireland or England? (Or Belgium for all I care!) I'm a citizen of the EU, so I might aswell work and study in England, Ireland or Belgium, since I'm perfectly legal to do so, and I don't think it's a complete mystery that I'm able to communicate. You don't have to answer all of my questions, and ofcourse I should also do some research for myself, but I would definitely welcome any helpful suggestions.

I'm supposed to pay for my own education in Holland, which I simply can't afford. So maybe I'll have to look elsewhere? I refuse to sit here any longer, I refuse to waste away like this, and I refuse to watch all kinds of people in Europe who simply decide about my fate for me.

I have reported one company for their illegal practices.

I wish more people would. For what it's worth, you have my thanks, because it seems that too many people don't care anymore.

:)
Arien   
15 Mar 2010
UK, Ireland / Documentary on foreign and local workers in a town in England. [66]

It makes me sick as well. And I am Polish... Sad times, really.

I'm Dutch, and I would feel sick if Polish workers were depicted like this aswell. (Just so you know!)

I just think that education is the way forward for America and Europe.

Sure, and how do you think guys like me can finance their study when they earn less than minimum wage?

We in the west have access to the best education systems in the world, some of the easiest access to capital in the world... no excuses.

I'm intelligent enough for an education, so how do you envision getting people like me to educate themselves? All this talk about responsibility and the will to work for it is fine with me, but please do explain to me how I'm supposed to pay for my education if I won't get any work because I'm supposedly too lazy. (Because a few people have ''proven'' this.)

That would be great, then we can discuss it better.

What's your point Sean? I will simply tell you I've worked a lot harder than any of those foreigners I've seen in the video. (I've cut three tons of carrots once, and I can assure you that carrots are much and much tougher to cut.) Working shifts of twelve hours? How about working shifts of eighteen hours? (I've done that aswell, for less than minimum wage!) I know a lot of Dutch guys who'd be there an hour before work starts, just to familiarize themselves with the workplace and their tasks. (I'm ex-military, so don't tell me I don't have discipline.)

Education? I'm all ears, but everywhere I go I get none the wiser, and I certainly can't finance a study all by myself when I'm earning less than minimum wage sometimes! So yes, advice would be more than welcome!

:)
Arien   
15 Mar 2010
UK, Ireland / Documentary on foreign and local workers in a town in England. [66]

Arien come down, please. You misunderstood me.

I did.

What I meant is that this show was staged with the hidden agenda to show British job-seekers as a lazy, worthless scum.

You're right, but I obiously didn't gather that much from the first part.

I really don't understand why the BBC did it?

Probably so they can justify selling out their own, and betraying their own working class for a few lousy pounds. You're right, watching this makes me sick. Let that Evan Davis bring his camera, and put me against any of those guys..

:)
Arien   
15 Mar 2010
UK, Ireland / Documentary on foreign and local workers in a town in England. [66]

I totally agree!! i watched this and there is much more deserving people in england who could have done the job better than the people picked or the show

True.

Did you watch the whole thing? It is in six parts.

I know what you guys mean. No, I didn't. (Sorry!) I'm now watching the rest. I'll reply again later..

:)
Arien   
15 Mar 2010
UK, Ireland / Documentary on foreign and local workers in a town in England. [66]

Staged - I'd say.

You don't know what you're talking about. The woman you've seen is crying because it's staged? Go wash your mouth please. I understand that you guys want jobs over there, but so do they. I've heard that the Polish refuse British and Irish workers quite often, so you have no right to call these people loony. Take that last guy for example. 26 years old, barely had any work in the last five years, says he wants to work and give it his all regardless of what job he has to do, but he doesn't seem to stand a chance anywhere. I'm basically in the same position.

But funny.

There's nothing funny about being made redundant, and it's not their fault either. You sound like someone's who should feel lucky he's never been in that position, but ofcourse it doesn't mean you're any better. Or smarter.

;)
Arien   
14 Mar 2010
Love / How to turn a No into a Yes (she invited me to Poland to meet her) [30]

I would say we are pretty simple. We want straight talk and common sense. Nothing complicated about that.

beelzebub is absolutely right.

He's pushing her and she's running away. Simple.

Dear pgtx, I think you have an oversimplistic view on the subject matter...

Priceless!

xD
Arien   
14 Mar 2010
UK, Ireland / No job unless you're Polish [201]

They are comparatively unproductive and, to put it bluntly, just lazy..

Nonsense.

Poles work harder, more efficiently and effectively..

Don't make me laugh, I worked thrice as hard as any Polish person I've worked with. No competition for me really.

It's not about discrimination, it's about cruel rules of free market.. Capitalists prefer workers who can work harder, that's so simple...

No they don't. They prefer people who don't complain about salary, rules or even their own safety. They also prefer not to give people permanent contracts, so they can fire people easily. Temporary workers fit this description. It has nothing to do with working harder, quite the contrary, foreign workers don't really care about the nation of their employer, or their employer.. (They'll be working somewhere else tomorrow if they get fired.)

I think it's kinda pathetic that modern English nationalism becomes nothing more but a crying response to meritorical dominance of non-English nations in the global job-market...

I want to see you when Chinese workers flood your market. (Which will happen sooner or later.) See who's left to help you after you've screwed everyone.

It's a sign of weakness and national decadence..

No, it's the sign of a spoiled and decadent elite who are willing to betray their own people in order to play people against eachother. You obviously fell for it, but in the long run, you'll see you won't gain anything from this either.

:)
Arien   
13 Mar 2010
Love / Men and Women from Eastern Poland [37]

if you did he'd promptly fall asleep after the deed, like the rest of us... like the other guys do. LOL

After reading this comment, I'm willing to bet my stamina is better than most.

;)
Arien   
13 Mar 2010
Love / Men and Women from Eastern Poland [37]

last year, when i met her first time, i paid for the dinner and then she disappeared.

She probably didn't like you. You've paid for her dinner? Wow. I'm properly impressed now!I'm sorry, but isn't that what a gentleman is supposed to do on a first date? You should feel flattered she decided to go out with you anyway. That's just my silly opinion though, you shouldn't listen to anything I say..

;)
Arien   
11 Mar 2010
Love / What do Polish guys think of Irish girls? [187]

Some of them said that they think we are Ugly and loud, another said they think thier hot and another said they don't really care, Im more likely to go with the third one but I was thinking about and I got curious?

I've met a few Irish girls before, and I liked their humour, I liked their accent even more, I liked their feel for music and I liked their..

*sigh*

I believe her name was Vanula. (I'm not sure if I'm spelling it right though!) I don't even know where she was from, but she sure did leave an impression.

:)
Arien   
11 Mar 2010
Feedback / Retaining the same user name from inception [11]

I have had a few identities on this forum,

Do you mean you were pretending to be someone you're not? I've stopped doing that a long time ago! At first it was curiousity, then it became a second nature, and eventually I took it too far. So I guess that's my useless advice to everyone on the internet; Just be yourself and don't be ashamed.

never been abusive or vulgar, well maybe only once!

So you've never cussed behind your screen? Have you atleast *thought* somebody was being an a-hole once or twice?

;)

There are some real genuine people on this forum, and some really interesting conversations, a bit like a family really.

That's nice.

I know it is only a forum but of course it is real as people have real feelings.

I think some people aren't really aware of that sometimes, but I guess we all have to learn the hard way..

:)